If you’ve ever noticed that you feel better after engaging in outdoor activities, you’re not alone. Time spent in outdoor recreation leads to a range of benefits, from reduced obesity rates to strengthened family ties, according to Robert Manning, professor of recreation management at the University of Vermont. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll along a nature trail or a strenuous hike up a steep mountain path, outdoor recreation sites provide the setting for physical and mental growth.

Regular outdoor activity provides a number of physical health benefits, including lower blood pressure, reduced arthritis pain, weight loss and lowered risk of diabetes, certain cancers, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Getting 150 minutes of moderate exercise — such as biking or brisk walking — or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week — such as hiking or cross-country skiing — help maintain a healthy weight and reduce risk of chronic disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A 2009 study in the “Journal of Park and Recreation Administration” found a correlation between access to outdoor recreational spaces and overweight, obesity and adults’ physical activity levels. Specifically, less-active and more overweight adults spent less time participating in non-motorized physical activities in recreational areas.